Anode-free alkali metal batteries (AFAMBs) are emerging as a compelling strategy to surpass the cell-level energy density limits of Li-ion batteries while simplifying battery configuration. In these systems, the working anode forms in situ on a bare current collector and is continuously reshaped during cycling with a limited alkali metal inventory. As a result, the anode current collector is not merely a passive electron conductor, but a multifunctional interfacial platform that governs alkali metal nucleation, growth, stripping, and interphase evolution. This review examines the fundamental differences among anode-free lithium, sodium, and potassium systems and highlights key performance metrics for practical AFAMBs. Recent current collector engineering strategies developed for these chemistries are then summarized. Essential parameters shaping current collector design are identified, including electronic conductivity, alkali metal affinity, collector morphology, and interphase stability. Finally, practical design principles are presented to balance electrochemical performance with manufacturability under realistic operating conditions. This review aims to clarify the alkali metal-dependent design logic of current collectors and to provide guidance for the practical development of next-generation anode-free batteries.
Molecular interface engineering has become increasingly important for improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Although highly emissive perovskite materials have advanced rapidly, their translation into high-performance devices remains limited by interfacial losses, unbalanced charge injection, and instability under electrical operation. In this review, we first discuss charge-carrier behavior in perovskite materials and devices, with emphasis on radiative and non-radiative recombination, carrier accumulation under injection, and the device-level consequences of interfacial constraints. We then examine the development of interfacial molecular strategies in PeLEDs, including self-assembled monolayers and related interfacial molecules, and summarize how such molecular layers influence charge injection, interfacial recombination, local electronic structure, and film formation at both charge-injection interfaces. On this basis, we further consider the implications of these interfacial effects for molecular regulation in light-emitting devices, with particular attention to electronic regulation under bias, chemically persistent passivation, and structural compatibility with emissive-layer formation. By connecting carrier physics, interfacial function, and molecular regulation, this review aims to provide a clearer framework for understanding and developing molecular interfacial strategies for high-performance PeLEDs.
Developing highly active and stable oxygen evolution reaction catalysts is paramount for cost-effective large-scale green hydrogen production via water electrolysis. Here we report nonprecious metal-based multicomponent nitride/high-entropy alloy heterostructures as cost-effective electrocatalysts to efficiently mediate alkaline water oxidation by in-situ configurating cooperative Brønsted basic oxyanion-solid interfaces during phase transformation of multicomponent nitride into amorphous N-doped NiFeCoMoCrOOH along with partial dissolution of high-value metals of Mo and Cr to form molecular MoO42− and CrO42− species. The protonation of Brønsted basic oxyanions facilitates the critical *OOH intermediate formation on N-doped NiFeCoMoCrOOH with near-optimal adsorption energy, substantially accelerating the oxygen evolution reaction kinetics. Consequently, the heterostructure electrode exhibits superior oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysis in 1 M KOH solution, delivering ultrahigh current density of 2.5 A cm−2 at low overpotential of 300 mV. Its alkaline water electrolyzer operates stably at ampere-level current density for > 1700 h. Our findings reveal an unconventional molecule-assisted multi-site mechanism of multicomponent catalysts to accelerate multiple-intermediate reaction.
Pancreatic cancer faces the challenges of tumor progression and postoperative pancreatic fistula during the perioperative period, which severely affect patient prognosis. In this study, an injectable self-healing multifunctional hydrogel (CMCGel) was developed based on dynamic cross‑linking between manganese ions (Mn2+) and carboxymethyl chitosan loaded with chlorella extract (CE). This platform implements an integrated “Remove–Remodel–Repair” (3R) strategy for comprehensive perioperative management. CMCGel exhibits distinctive pH/laser dual-responsive behavior: In the acidic tumor microenvironment, the accelerated release of CE and Mn2+ enhances photodynamic therapy and chemodynamic therapy (CDT). This combination, activated by laser and gated by endogenous pH, achieves remarkable tumor suppression rates of 85.81
Redox flow batteries, by virtue of their advantages in power/capacity decoupling, high safety, and long cycle life, have become a strategic support for long-duration energy storage systems; however, capacity degradation remains a bottleneck for their commercialization. This review systematically identifies the multi-dimensional mechanisms of capacity degradation: including volume imbalance caused by transmembrane migration, inactivation and decomposition of active species, electrode degradation, and valence imbalance induced by side reactions. Targeting these challenges, the review deeply explores recovery strategies from physical repair to intelligent scheduling: covering the research and development of high-selectivity membranes, precise regulation of valence states, functionalized repair of electrodes, and model-driven predictive pathways integrating digital twins. Finally, current challenges such as characterization limitations and incomplete recovery rates are summarized, and future development directions for capacity recovery are envisioned. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for extending the system cycle life of flow batteries and improving capacity recovery efficiency.
